JAS-2 (FO-29)
NORAD 24278
Payload
LEO
1996-046B
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🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
800 km
Apogee
1320 km
Inclination
98.5°
Period
106.4 min
Mean Motion
13.53269425 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-03-17 20:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude1,060 km
Orbital Velocity26,366 km/h
Velocity7.32 km/s
Orbital Period106 minutes
Orbits / Day13.53
Eccentricity0.0350
Semi-Major Axis7,431 km
Est. Orbital Lifetime~500–1,000 years
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
🇯🇵 Japan
Launch Date
1996-08-17
Launch Site
TNSTA
Int'l Designator
1996-046B
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Medium (0.1–1 m²)
🔗 Constellation / Groups
amateur
📖 About This Object
JAS-2 (FO-29) is an active satellite operated by Japan, launched on 1996-08-17 from TNSTA. With over 30 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 800 km and 1,320 km with an inclination of 98.5°. It travels at approximately 26,366 km/h (7.32 km/s), completing one full orbit every 106 minutes — that’s roughly 13.53 orbits per day. It is part of the Amateur constellation group. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~500–1,000 years. Orbital Radar tracks JAS-2 (FO-29) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
JAS-2 (FO-29) occupies the mid-LEO band between 600 and 1,000 km, where atmospheric drag is minimal but radiation exposure remains low. This altitude range balances orbital longevity (decades to centuries) with reasonable ground coverage, making it popular for remote sensing constellations, scientific instruments and weather satellites. Debris concerns are significant here because objects persist far longer than in lower orbits.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
JAS-2 (FO-29) orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 800 km (perigee) and 1,320 km (apogee), with an average altitude of approximately 1,060 km. It completes one orbit every 106 minutes, travelling at approximately 26,366 km/h (16,383 mph).
JAS-2 (FO-29) is operated by Japan. It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 24278. You can track JAS-2 (FO-29) in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.
JAS-2 (FO-29) was launched on 1996-08-17 from TNSTA. At its current altitude, the estimated remaining orbital lifetime is: ~500–1,000 years.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks JAS-2 (FO-29) (NORAD ID 24278) using the latest TLE (two-line element set) data from Space-Track and CelesTrak. Open the live tracker to see its current position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated in real time.
JAS-2 (FO-29) travels at approximately 26,366 km/h (16,383 mph) — roughly 7.32 km/s. It completes 13.53 orbits per day, meaning the crew or instruments aboard (if any) would experience approximately 27 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.
JAS-2 (FO-29) is a member of the Amateur constellation. Satellites in this group work together to provide coordinated coverage, typically in similar orbital planes at comparable altitudes. You can view all Amateur satellites on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.